Happy anniversary to us!

Brad and I have been married 4 years today. It has gone by fast! I think back about how we met 6 years ago in June. In only 6 years of being together we’ve been able to pack in a lot of memories!

We’ve overcome the depths misery and have soared high in martial bliss. Just like anyone, we are happiest fulfilling our dreams. Part of those dreams is to see the world. Literally. So for our anniversary I put together some photos of our travels so we can hang up in our home, and one day hopefully we can cover a wall from floor to ceiling from all of our adventures. Here’s what I made (and some of the places we’ve been)

This was our honeymoon in the Dominican Republic. It was Brad’s first time seeing the beach too!
In March of 2009 we visited Amsterdam on our way to Greece. I was about 5 months pregnant with Elijah here!
This was Brad’s first trip to Greece. We went to Athens, Loutraki, Kalamata, Coroni and Hydra the island. We may have seen more I can’t remember now…
Next trip was Mexico! We were planning to go Florida but the BP oil spill scared us from that. This was Elijah’s first foreign country visit! – I was also almost 4 months pregnant with Athena here!
Last summer we visited Greece again! It was so much fun being there in the summer versus the winter of 09. This picture was taken in Loutraki – my favorite place in the world.

While we were in Greece we took a few days and toured Rome. We are in front of the Fontana De Trevi. I was terribly sick that trip with strep throat, but I would rather be sick and travel than stay home :)

Our latest trip took us back to Mexico – only this time it was just the two of us (and I was not pregnant)! It was a great get away for just the two of us.

Traveling around is just a fraction of who we are. We’ve grown and overcome so much in just four short years. I don’t even need to mention what beautiful children we brought into this world! If Brad and I can do what we’ve done so far, I can’t wait to see what we can do in the years to come.

Our unintentional weekend

We woke up Saturday morning and for the first time, in a long time, had nothing planned. It’s amazing how quickly we fill up our free-time!
First, we took the ferry over to Illinois. Elijah loves all things that move so we thought he would love it. And he did, a little too much. The ferry ride wasn’t long enough so he was pretty disappointed when we  had to buckle up in the van just after a few short minutes.

Check out how big he’s getting. It sounds so redundant, and I know EVERY parent is amazed at how fast their kids grow up – but I feel like I am in shock sometimes when I think back to when he was still my little Tootum Pie.

                       
Athena didn’t really even notice that we were on the ferry. As long as she had a cheesy Pringle in her hand, not much else mattered :)

  You probably know by now that I want family pictures of everything, all the time.

 
    I try to get sibling pictures, but they never turn out as cute as I envision them.

     After the ferry ride we stopped to throw some rocks – one of the kids favorite things to do. I love this picture of Brad and Athena!

     You’d be surprised how far Elijah could toss a rock! (future baseball pitcher Brad hopes….)

 
     He’s giving his sister flowers. How sweet is that?!

As if that wasn’t enough for one day, we decided to get together and have a barbeque. For the first time all of us got together at a park. With the kids getting so big and active it is a perfect place to have a family get-together and avoid having your house turned upside down. Everyone from my side of the family could come except my mom and Allison.

It was a great time for the toddlers though. Swing sets, slides, sand and softball field dirt – can’t get much better than that for these kids.  

     If only his sandbox was a big as a volleyball court….

 
     Brad and Emma playing kickball.

    Aubrey in the cutest green dress!

    My little Athena – she doesn’t think she’s any smaller than her older cousins.

     One of my favorite pictures of the day! Isn’t he one of the most handsome little guys you’ve ever seen?? Dirt and all!

   And here is my all time favorite picture of the day! (Steph, don’t hate me if you didn’t want me to share this!) Obviously she is ready to have my “mystery” niece/nephew any day now! And it’s always fun to have her stand next to Becky, just to emphasize Becky’s not even 5 foot

:) (Don’t hate me either Becky)

Our evening concluded with going out with some friends of Brad that were visiting from Germany. I love chatting with Europeans, and getting their opinion on how different it is there versus the U.S.

Later this week Brad and I have our 4 year wedding anniversary coming up. So now I’ve gotta brainstorm about what we’re going to do….

I never had fast labors

And I was kind of resentful back then.
Although, labor with Athena was much faster than Elijah’s it wasn’t fast by any means. I’ll be honest, with both of my labors, I didn’t want to endure what the whole world knows to be ‘the most unbearable pain’ for any longer than I had to.

I’m glad I know better now.

Firstly, the pain of labor wasn’t unbearable. That’s what I love about the Bradley Method, it taught me how to work with the pain, rather than endure the pain. Secondly, I HAVE known worse pain. My right femur was shattered in a car accident and I look back on that and consider many days and moments as pure agony.

I came across a great blog explaining why a long labor may not be so bad. It’s called The "Slow Birth" Movement. I really appreciate the author’s insight and tone. It really made me think and appreciate having average, healthy labors.

Some people may call me a sicko – but, I can look back and cherish all my hard work through labor. It was intense, but more than worth it. Dare I say - I am looking forward to it again (if we decide on #3).

Anyhow, I wanted to share this blog. I think its a great and I hope you enjoy it too.

Summer’s a comin’!

We have had quite a few fun days lately. Even the rainy days have been fun, but I thought I’d post some pictures of some of my favorites.

 
Can I even say anything about Athena in that picture above. I mean, I could go on about how hilarious, cute, adorable, predictable and sweet it is – but this time, that picture is worth 1.000 words!

Check out my little man. He is going to have a blast when we go to the beach this summer (no, not Greece unfortunately –sniff, sniff) .

Every day that the weather is nice and slightly warm, he wants to be splashing in that pool. Athena – she’s not so convinced yet.

I’m looking forward to all the summer activities with them. I’m still a little nervous about trying to take them to a community pool. I mean, if Athena goes one way and Elijah goes another – what happens then? Anyway, no need to stress about that now.

They were semi-excited to go see some fun transportation vehicles yesterday. I thought Elijah would be in heaven seeing all the fire trucks, police cars, diggers, etc – but he was still a little intimidated to explore without me right next to him. Aside from the 90 degree heat, they managed to have a great time.

 

Elijah in the fire truck. He’s disappointed they wouldn’t sound the siren :(

 

In the police car the officer let him press the buttons!

There’s Athena and Logan in the garbage truck.

Aren’t they adorable in their hats?!

 

The digger was a big hit!

 

She wasn’t too interested in the vehicles. She was just happy to get to walk around and be the cutest little fire fighter ever.

Why do I feel like the next time I get a picture of him on a school bus it will be in just a blink of an eye. You know he’s going to be 3 in July. 3! I remember this day like it was yesterday.
 

It was much cooler in the 2 Men and a Truck truck so she happily stayed in there. Can you see how hot she was? – It’s only May…good grief!

That’s the latest for now. I’m still working on recruiting more students and now prayerfully considering going to training to become a DONA certified doula! I’m feeling really blessed to have an opportunity to possibly establish a career and still be at home with my kids. God is so amazing, He can truly exceed any expectation we ever had for ourselves.

I’ll keep you posted!

A Secret Weapon for your Pregnancy

Ok, well maybe it isn’t quite so secret, but if you didn’t know, it can make a world of difference!

What I am talking about is The "No Risk" Pregnancy Diet and Blue Ribbon Baby.

My brother and sister-in-law, Steph, are taking my class and I was so excited to hear that some of her uncomfortable pregnancy symptoms were relieved through The Bradley Method’s teachings (which follows Dr. Brewer’s nutrition diet I linked to above).

It’s always hard starting something new, and I love my brother and sister for taking the class for me – but on the flip side, I whole heartedly believe in this method – and I think they are doing a great thing for themselves - whether they took the class from me, or another instructor! I would be worried for her health and the health of my unborn niece/nephew if it wasn’t for this method! – Now, that’s not to say I don’t believe in anything other than the Bradley Method, it’s just that I feel it’s best when possible.

If you are pregnant, check out the websites above – nutrition is SO important. Also, if you’re pregnant and interested in having a intervention-free labor and birth check me out through The Bradley Method!

You're gonna have to bear with me

As I overload you of super cute pictures of my family and kids. I can't resist though. With the great weather we had a few weeks ago, we've been enjoying every moment!

Brad went and got the kids these lawn mowers - they love them! -- But don't be too fooled...Brad hates cutting the grass so much this may be part of his master plan to train them early :)

We also had a scare of losing our cat Caesar for a few days. It was really so relieving when we all found him safe and sound. Elijah was especially happy - he loves his kitty!

We went to Purina Farms, and I have to say it was awesome!  I love when we are able to take the kids to things that make their books come to life - so instead of reading about cows, chicks, farms, etc - they can  experience it first hand. They loved it. Especially Athena who has an addiction to small furry things.

Those pigs were such a hit with Elijah and his cousin Logan!

You can tell Athena loved them! Doesn't she look a little "Darla-ish" from Finding Nemo? - Hopefully she learns to be a bit more gentle than Darla!
 

My little Athena enjoys yummy chocolate just a tad bit more than fuzzy animals.

And maybe ice cream even more than chocolate....

And yes, she crashed shortly after her sugar rush that day!

Here are some more pictures from that day. It was really an awesome day (aside from our tire blowing on on I-44 on the way down there - very scary!!)

He was so gentle with the little chicks!

Little Logan LOVES blueberries!

My Chickadee looking at some chicks :)
 Aunt Natalie helping Athena get her chocolate filled egg.


Logan kept trying to get more than one (smart guy!)

 
I love this picture of the kids with their Grandma!!

And I love any opportunity for us to get a family picture! Can God's blessings be any more evident that in this picture!?

You know...I just deleted a few more I wanted to put up.

I may find it hard to believe if you made it to the end considering all the photos I just put up. I hope that it is evident to you that I love my family and I can't help but praise God for what we have.

So go hug and kiss your kids, mom, dad, spouse, brother, sister, in-laws and friends, because they are truly gifts to cherish!

Daniel 10:19

"God wubs you wery much." - Danyal 19

Yep, you guessed it. Elijah has memorized his first Bible verse. How sweet is that?! I have to admit, he learned it a few weeks ago, and has since then memorized a second!

"God's gooness is shine down fwom heaven." - 85:11
(That is the shortened toddler version of Psalm 85:11)

Can I just say that I am so proud? I mean super proud. Not just of him, but of ME! I am going through a realization phase in my life of what it means to raise kids. They aren't just babies anymore that silly toys can keep them learning and occupied. It's become so obvious to me now, that it's a complete gamble raising your kids outside of God's Word. I am so thankful I understand this now, while they are so young. I have our new church to pretty much thank for most of it. Grace Community Chapel (http://www.gcchapel.org/) - sorry, my hyperlink button isn't working and I'm too lazy to figure out the code again.

So I definitely had to share the versus with you - I think it's so awesome (especially because he is enjoying it so much!)

Aside from memory work, we've had a few more firsts since the last time I posted.

Like, first time making and eating yummy, homemade popsicles!

A first chemistry lesson!
Isn't he the perfect poster child for The Bradley Method (TM)!

First time playing with sidewalk chalk. I wonder if either of them will take after Brad and have an artistic side.

 

And, a first sandbox! They are in heaven in that thing.

And this picture. We'll it's no "first", but it is so cute I had to put it up here. Elijah and his cousin Evan - Elmo twinkies :)

I wish I can update you more with events happening, but it will have to wait until later. My little Athena is showing allergy symptoms to something (milk maybe??) - she has tiny bumps all over her since this morning (along with 4 teeth trying to push through!) Anyway, now she's calling for her Ma-Ma.
I can't leave my Dee waiting!!